AN ALLEGED robbery at a prestigious Chester hostel turned out to be a sham and an inside job, a jury heard yesterday.
Police were immediately suspicious when they arrived at the Mollington Banastre Hotel in the early hours to be told by Vincent Russ that he had just been robbed by two men.
For Russ claimed CS gas had been used on him and he was rubbing his eyes with a damp cloth - which was the last thing anyone should do, Mold Crown Court was told.
Police could not detect any smell of CS gas, although a canister was found behind the reception desk, said prosecuting barrister Michael Chambers.
But Russ was in on the theft of nearly £4,000 from the safe. He had already removed the money and had switched off CCTV cameras at the time of the incident in September of last year, the jury heard.
Russ, of Wirral View, Hawarden, has already pleaded guilty to his part in the theft and yesterday was called by the prosecution to give evidence against Nigel Jones, 35, who denies conspiring to steal the cash.
Jones, of Oakfield Road, Hawarden, says he was not involved and his barrister, John Philpotts, suggested to Russ that he was telling lies about an innocent man in a bid to get a reduced sentence himself. Russ denied the claims.
Mr Chambers alleged the two men staged the sham robbery and £3,933 was stolen. Russ was in a position of trust and was responsible for the hotel at night.
The case continues.
